VAN HALEN - LITTLE GUITARS (REACTION!!!)

[@brianmccollum86]

You've only scratched the surface of mr. Eddie Van Halen the greatest guitarist in the whole wide world

[@big106razor]

Fun Fact: Eddie actually played a "little guitar" on this song. It's a scaled down Les Paul.

[@warrenhammonds1093]

He only used the scaled down LP live to fit with the name of the song. In the studio he didn't.

[@shadesofgold24]

@@warrenhammonds1093 false. The intro was recorded on a nylon string acoustic, but the elec guitar was played on the mini Les Paul built by David Petschulat. Evh got it on the women tour in 81 and used it on the tour bus. The slight difference in the tone on this track is notable due to the scale length of the guitar

[@mikeralston777]

Maybe their best song. My 12 year old autistic kid loves Diver Down.

[@yaninaayalaherrera8956]

I'm autistic too, and Little Guitars is my favorite VH song. Diver Down is a great album (except for Dancing in the Street)

[@johnjeczalik8960]

That’s my Dad’s favorite VH album of the Roth era.

[@johnnelson3869]

The most underrated part of the VH sound are Michael's and Eddie's harmonies.

[@joeday4293]

Ed and Mike are secretly one of the best backing vocal sections in rock history.

[@drew65sep]

Absolutely...Michael was that "secret sauce" that gave VH their distinctive flavor.

[@robote7679]

You are so, so right about that. You hear their harmonies and you just know that this could be no other band than Van Halen. Such a good call. Thanks.

[@rothed16]

Thank you! Underapprecatied!

[@chopperdeath]

You know it's crucial if it's taken out and everything changes. Mike was integral to Van Halen.

[@martinhall3510]

Alex lifeson and Eddie van Halen 2 of the most talented guitarists ever.

[@woodch]

What a call hearing that in there, too. I never pieced it together before, and I love this song! I also found myself hearing a lot of The Who when you mentioned the arpeggiator sound. Baba O'Reilly sorta, or You Better, You Bet might even be more similar on a song-to-song comparison-- similar musical vibe, even if the lyrics are way different.

[@yaninaayalaherrera8956]

This is my favorite VH song, such an underrated classic!

[@Fuphyter]

There is a song off of Diver Down called "Secrets". When my sister and I went out to check out a band, during the break there was a DJ. We ALWAYS asked him to play it, great dance song. He got to the point when he saw us coming he said "I know, I know" 😁

[@cletusbeauregard1972]

personally, I think that's their best song. well, either that or Hear About It Later.

[@jeffm9873]

As a Rush fan for nearly 40 years, I never put together the similarities between this song and Alex’s sound. This is my favorite song off of my favorite Van Halen album. I guess that’s the reason! Thanks for a great reaction, Jay! Peace to you!

[@markusantonio4866]

Chorus pedal? Alex used arpeggios in his playing. Is that what he means?

[@davidleeroth784]

True that Jeff. I had never heard the similarities till now. Always good to have someone else give a little insight to a song I've listened to for 40 years.

[@k_salter]

One of the hundreds of reasons VH has been an all-time fave since 1978!

[@rothed16]

Mine since 82 hence my user name

[@bostonwhofan]

Little Guitars is a gem. Another is "Mean Street"!

[@scottgeorgeff2896]

28 degrees and snowing in Columbus Ohio. But, it's bright and sunny in my car!! Thanks JR... Taking me all the way back to 1983, beaches & better times. 💚

[@AutomatikSystematik]

I was 20 on tour with my band in LA when this album came out. 1st thing I did was go to Tower Records and buy it even tho I barely had enough money for food at the time (starving artist). I was floored when I 1st heard this track. I cranked it up at some girl's apt I was staying at and her neighbors complained, haha! She had the most amazing Marantz stereo system this sounded so good on.

[@eduardopares4126]

I see you went with Little Guitars off of Diver Down this time, but if you want to really be thrown for a loop, check out Big Bad Bill Is Sweet William Now featuring Eddie and Alex’s dad on the clarinet. You won’t believe where they go with it. LOL 😂

[@davidfrost7114]

Just a super song overall. Musically, they were so ahead of their time. Thanks for keeping this going. Great job !!!

[@Anthony-nk4ky]

If you liked the groove on “I’m The One”, then “The Full Bug” off this record is a must. A sweet swing and some good solos on guitar and harmonica

[@B-a-t-m-a-n]

Great tune. Hit up, "Hang Em High" while you're on Diver Down!

[@joeday4293]

@@B-a-t-m-a-n "Hang 'Em High" is VICIOUS.

[@jamesgomez753]

@@B-a-t-m-a-n Absolutely, Hang "Em High is such a tough riff to play. Still trying to pull it off like Eddie did! Crazy how many great songs they basically never played live

[@e.l.norton]

"The Full Bug" and "Hand 'em High" are two filthy bitches guitar-wise. In the best possible way.

[@Anthony-nk4ky]

@@jamesgomez753 I’ve been struggling with that Hang Em High riff for a long time now. Eddie was a rhythm beast.

[@faceplantor7372]

Eddie’s rhythm riffs were just as original as his solos. I think he was using his thumb for the low notes and his fingers to pluck the higher notes kind of similar to a bass guitarist playing slap ...🤨👊🏽

[@joshcomedy1521]

He gets that sound in the verses by plucking 2 or 3 notes at a time with his fingers rather than with a pick. It gives it that snappy sound. And yes he and Lifeson do a lot of arpeggiating with chorus and or distortion to open up the sound a little. Both have what is called good note separation in their sound, can't do that with a lot of distortion.

[@Marco-xz2es]

"Cathedral" off of this same album is a guitar though it sounds like a synth! I thought it was for years!!!

[@eddievantrollen3459]

Probably my favorite reactions of yours, Jay Rah!!!

[@Iknowthelaw13]

Might be my favorite VH song ever.

[@EggersEggers-pd6te]

This is my favorite Van Halen song. Hands down, the best.

[@sandrasmith7501]

For those of us who aren't musicians and didn't know the big word of the day.....ar-peg-gi-ate: to play ( a chord) as a series of ascending or descending notes. The notes are plucked or played consecutively instead of at the same time. Arpeggiate. All I knew is that I loved the sound.😉

[@davidleeroth784]

I like this comment ❤😅

[@diamondjim222]

Love that you are enjoying VH. Special band.

[@jimster75]

For some more of Eddie’s ‘virtuosity’ listen to ‘ Could This Be Magic’, you get to hear him play acoustic slide guitar. A bluesy fun song off of ‘Women and Children First’.

[@srt8rocketship241]

Eddie loved to be on stage. I believe besides being with his family , that was where he was truly happy. Always smiled while playing.

[@robertkees6048]

And don't forget he had his boy on bass for the last several years so he was able to successfully combine the stage with his family. I saw them in 86 and again in 2012 with his son, and you could see what a proud papa he was of his boy. It was a great show, Greensboro NC.

[@srt8rocketship241]

@@robertkees6048 I saw them with David Lee Roth on their Women And Children First Tour. The Stones were the band along with Henry Paul also

[@paulosborne1729]

One of my Fav. VH tunes.

[@RareHarmony]

Thanks for reacting! Great song!

[@jackkelly2620]

Yes! My Man!. 🎸 My req. finally hits the air waves.

[@randycomerford2038]

Eddie is the guitar master...R.I.P.

[@stevesmyth5673]

My favorite VH song ever.

[@wvmountaineer69]

GREATEST BAND EVER!!! Great reaction!

[@davidleeroth784]

This. ^^^^

[@danarchuleta1154]

So Sweeeet that you get Van Halen like an ol' school devotee! All kinds of talk about greatest rock guitarist, that argument will go on...but, Eddie initiated a renaissance of playing and probably unmatched to this day. Fair Warning is the guitar players album. Dig into in it. Remember how you loved "Unchained" and "Mean Street," try the two in between, "Dirty Movies," and "Sinner's Swing"

[@neilesposito5460]

Van Halen- Hear about it later..... Banger!!!!!

[@Boatzilla2]

Glad you got around to this one. Thanks.

[@dusty3913]

Yes, you're right that it reminds of Rush. There's a breakdown or transition in "The Trees" that is reminiscent of this song.

[@valkyrie757]

I'm so happy that you reacted to this song! One of my faves! ☮❤🙏🏻

[@craigharrison5406]

Absolutely, this track does have a Rush vibe to it. I never really thought about it until you mentioned it which is surprising because I'm a huge fan of both bands.

[@rorygrime1202]

The thing about Sir Edward was he never disrespected his guitar. He was always trying new and different ways of playing. The guitar was Part of his body. R.I.P.Eddie

[@briancarr4607]

Hang em high was always my favourite track

[@actuallytheguy8395]

Killer tune!!

[@andrewgarin2486]

Loved it...listening to this song at 12 years old I knew the band was special.....just wanted you to know that out of all reviewers I subscribe to, your microphones and set-up gives out the clearest and best sounding music that I've ever heard....nice job seriously!

[@danwest9900]

That's something about Eddie's playing I'm noticing a lot more now. He really was the master of the beautiful, "middle string" chords all happening in the D, G, and B strings. Lots of rock and metal players dug away at the E and A strings (power chords with just the root, the fifth, and maybe the root again on the D string), but Eddie played gorgeous, tasty chords and melodies many times just with the " middle strings " D, G, and B. His tone and his playing style really shined in this area, and it added a brightness and levity sometimes to their sound. Love it! R.I.P., Mr. Van Halen.

[@joeday4293]

The most ubiquitous guitar hero in rock history is somehow simultaneously the most vastly underrated rhythm guitarist in rock history.

[@thetextpistols7354]

Sick track. Like Razor said, it’s a scaled down Les Paul with a Roland Chorus/Echo unit and of course Franky the Charvel axe he’s famous for. Rumor has it Eddie never owned an acoustic guitar until Ann Wilson gave him one in the late 80’s.

[@mtkidbigsky7230]

Nice breakdown of this song. Your insight and observation broadened and enhanced my interpretation of this song. Keep up the great work!

[@showtime4243]

This might be my favorite reaction to any song ! Awesome job breaking it down but what I really enjoyed was seeing you discover the magic of Van Halen with this severely underrated song by the best hard rock/party band of all time !!!

[@tasteapiana]

When Quincy Jones heard this album he said ''GET ME THAT GUITAR PLAYER FOR THIS MICHAEL JACKSON ALBUM I'M WORKING ON'' (Thriller). Of course, he was blown away by their version of Dancing In The Streets but he heard the whole album. It's my belief that, with Quincy's background having worked post WWII in France with 'Hot Club' jazz acts like Django Rheinhardt, etc, it was these two tracks that solidified his belief that Eddie could do anything. Quincy had heard everything, man, he KNEW when somebody had it and he knew Michael Jackson could use some of that in his mix. Great honest reaction here. It's gut tugging when those breaks come in, I don't care who it is or what 'style' of music they prefer, this was some bone cutting truth put down on tape that's undeniable.

[@brianmccollum86]

You're only scratching the surface and that's what it feels like to listen to the greatest guitarists of all time Mr Eddie Van Halen hands down

[@sfjarhead4062]

Van Halen Monday ALWAYS delivers. 🤘😎

[@visiblepixels4632]

This was the song that made me a Van Halen fan when I was a little kid. Never looked back :)

[@workingman6681]

Keep the Van Halen Mondays going!! 👍

[@Boatzilla2]

This vibe always reminds me of the late '70s even though it came out in the early '80s.

[@e.l.norton]

The "arpeggio" sound you hear is a delay/echo for that repeat that you hear. By this album I think he was using an Eventide and/or Roland unit. He's finger-plucking each note in the chords all at once. It's a really simple technique, but coupled with that echo, it's brilliant sounding. Eddie is the master of employing an effect juuuuuust enough to get a sound and tone. Perhaps the most tasteful use of effects in rock. The less is more school of thought.

[@racecaps]

Ed was finger picking that arpeggiated part! Also the acoustic part in intro. One of my fave VH tunes! 🎸✌🏻Today he would have been 66, RIP ED

[@stephensmith2736]

You have to check out spanish Fly thats a great spanish guitar.

[@JohnDoe-ub8fq]

And played on an electric guitar.

[@choppingpenguin]

@@JohnDoe-ub8fq Spanish Fly was played on an acoustic.

[@Rayruit]

Yes, definitely indeed some similarities in the guitar sound with Lifeson (around late 70s albums like Hemispheres) though the overall sound is more Cali Summer instead of the Mystical Xanadu landscapes.

[@charlespetersonsheppard6551]

Totally agree!

[@andrewedwards8238]

The. Best V Halen tune ever

[@drew65sep]

Lol, I'm almost certain that both of us had the EXACT scowl, stank-face, look of blissful "pain," or whatever one wants to call it, come across the front of our heads hearing this for the first time...the only difference being about four decades or so lol. Keep em comin bro...it's NOT hard at all to see that you are a true connoisseur (sp?) of music. It's in your blood, and in your bones...you KNOW what kind of a GIFT music is to all of us. You're a true fan. And, that is a gift as well. I appreciate that you are sharing that...

[@sdeak5444]

this song is in my top 5 van halen songs. and yes i did hear a little rush influance

[@teverly5150]

That is just Eddie playing the beginning all at once.

[@jimmiller4743]

Yes he played a mini Chiquita guitar I believe. My friend had one when we were young. Really cool. Another fire video!!

[@glenjohnson9128]

I was in the 10th grade when this album came out....I don't know how, but my parents bought me a plane ticket from Long Island to Syracuse to visit a girl I had met at my grandparents place in Florida....we went to see "The Wall" movie Friday night, went to a SU frat party after that, then to the concert at the Carrier Dome Saturday night. Wow, right? At the frat party, people were like, "what's your major?...I said I was a sophomore in HS....great life experience that I'm grateful for....a different time back then....

[@edwardhickman1745]

You got mad skills bro ears, mad props to you

[@TheAgentAssassin]

I remember when this Album just came out. I raced to the record store and got it the day it was released. One of my favorite tunes from VH of all time.

[@kenkonwick6660]

Yo, best idea ever is Van Halen Monday. U keep picking the tracks, we will just keep getting deeper and deeper into them with ya

[@charlespetersonsheppard6551]

I just want to say that your comparison to Rush is a great call. I have been listening to both for 40 years and that’s the first time I noticed the tonal similarity so clearly. Nice work!

[@reverentcavaliers7579]

Another great reaction, JRV! Eddie is using his fingers to rapidly pluck strings on the verses. Jazz players do a similar technique called "comping" if I remember correctly.

[@robschultz1963]

What you point out during the first verse about Eddie's rhythm playing is exactly what truly separates him form all of the rest. Not just hanging on a chord or playing distracting busy stuff instead spending time crafting musical sidewalks for the boys to travel on. I don't know another way to put it. He was, and may always be, the best. Great review as always!

[@eidetecker]

Eddie's plucking up on the strings to achieve that rhythmic sound. Both Eddie and Alex Lifeson were very influenced by Pete Townshend's rhythmic style of playing. Each did their own thing with it but Pete is surely an ingredient to their rhythmic styles.

[@robote7679]

Eddies style was also influenced by Jimmy Page.

[@babylonkid]

Masterpiece.

[@miked9000]

I really dont know why, but this is my favorite VH song

[@mhvh5150]

Seen =VH= 26 times live since 1982 Largo Md. Show... Simply The Best ...

[@davidleeroth784]

Lol had to come back n watch this. One of the original band members best singing/harmonies

[@darrellthorpe7654]

I know EVH didn’t like this album, but this is when I discovered VH in 1982 and instantly fell in love. Van Halen RULES!!!🎸🤘🏼😎

[@rothed16]

The guitaring Starting around 8:10 Live was just Amazing to see.

[@jimbusby8298]

Amazing 👏

[@steadfastneasy26]

@Jay Rah Visions Back in the day when Eddie was first voted as the #1 guitarist an interviewer from a magazine asked him "so Eddie, what's it like being the best guitarist" and Eddie replied "I don't know, go ask Alex Lifeson". So it is funny you pointing a Rush feel to part of this song.

[@ClifHaley]

"Little Guitars" is in my top 5 VH songs of all time.

[@juliemanarin4127]

Great one! Love VH!

[@brianmccollum86]

That's what I'm talkin about the little intros before the songs now you're in the groove and there's plenty more on that album

[@danarchuleta1154]

Had to add...." In 2012, he (Eddie Van Halen) was voted in a Guitar World magazine reader's poll as the number one of "The 100 Greatest Guitarists of All Time" over Brian May of Queen and Alex Lifeson of Rush... (wikipedia)" I Love Alex Lifeson, but Eddie...is from another realm!

[@davidleeroth784]

One of my Top 10 VH songs. Little gem snuck into an Amazing cover album.

[@showtime4243]

Van Halen Monday’s Rule !!! Thanks for doing this song ..I knew you would enjoy this unique awesome piece !!! On the same Album is Cathedral followed by Secrets to continue on the versatility of EVH and Van Halen....Keep those Van Halen Monday’s coming !!!

[@chuckhalen9543]

I have seriously enjoyed watching you become a Van Halen fan over these past few months. Absolutely a American ROCK ICON band. As you move forward, you won't be disappointed in the Sammy Era of Van Halen. It's just different. But, remember, the musician spring in VH has always been Eddie. The rest of the guys are the spice. Just SUBBED!!!

[@TheBoondoggler]

Good call on the Rush similarities. Lifeson and VH are my fave rock guitarists, I practically learned everything I know off Exit Stage Left and the first 6 VH albums. They used ambience effects so tastefully along with their creative choices on chords etc. To this day a good chorus pedal is indespensable in my pedalboard rig, really inspirational and makes full chords pop out

[@dennyhayes294]

Okay the reason Eddie sounds different in this song as opposed to others is he playing in miniature Les Paul18 inch and it has his different sound to it my favorite Van Halen song especially from the Roth era maybe of all time.I saw a rush on a Friday night and Van Halen on a Saturday night in the same venue in Las Vegas 1981 what a f******weekend.

[@TheEasyeman]

HELLS YESSSS

[@Krust_Acean]

Damn. Now I want to hear Big Bad Bill is Sweet William Now, which comes next after this song on the album. It also features acoustic guitar as well as the Van Halen brothers' father.

[@dyrkeschaefer]

I'm not a guitarist. But, I'm 99.9% sure that Eddie wasn't using any arpegiation that he wasn't producing with his own fingers. Maybe playing on the neck of the guitar, for instance.

[@gregeaster2479]

It's because they are soooo tight man, nobody could hang, Eddie was millions of miles above EVERYBODY.... THE GOAT

[@mr.potatohead6138]

Holy shit!! I forgot how great this is!!!!

[@cccheeks8819]

When he says reminds me of RUSH, it's the guitar chords right then, sounds just like a RUSH song. I have a good ear and play guitar and piano by ear so I hear songs all the time in other songs or parts of a song. this has some (not all of them) of the same chords as "Entre Nous" from Spirit of the Radio. The part before Geddy comes in, we are Secrets to Each Other. I'm an "MG" Baby......"A Musical Genius" :) (That is what I always tell my 11-year-old daughter...........LOL)

[@richrich2471]

spot on with the comparison to Rush, 80's Rush at least.

[@cccheeks8819]

Jay Rah you are a nice cool guy and you always try to use all the correct music terms, you can tell you really LOVE Music and research and are hungry for musical information. Great Job my Friend!

[@johnduval633]

It's Van Halen Monday baby! Edward! ☮️

[@joeruf6526]

epic. It does sound synth. But he's actually playing it flamenco style while holding onto his pick for the strum

[@soymeetsworld]

Dance the Night Away Official Video next!!

[@bach5150]

he's fingerpicking thru the chords instead of strumming them... gives it that staccato feel...

[@glenjohnson9128]

That was in the Fall. My grades dropped because I saw something more than my routine....but things rebalanced over time and I still got into an Ivy League school. Tear that apart, it's fine....I was an unlikely candidate for this entire story...but that's just how cool it was to live back then...

[@atticussampson776]

My understanding after doing my research, and please someone correct me if I'm wrong, the entire guitar portion was using a mini-Les Paul guitar, vis a vis, Little Guitars. It was the only song this guitar was ever used on. But no acoustic guitar was used as far as I know. This is why he's the king.

[@krazy11ish]

I love Jay Rah. He’s a great music critic and he appreciates the talent and energy of Van Halen. Acknowledges Ed’s passing. I promote him on FB in my VH/Dave groups. He’s a better critic than Eddie Trunk. Trunk is the worst. Jay Rah is so cool. Good luck Jay Rah!! Keep the videos coming!! 😊🎶💯

[@qazayan1785]

Yup

[@CVGuitar]

4:07 Edward's tone -- nobody else comes close